In 2009, a research team from Leeds, England, published a systematic literature review reporting on preamputation predictors of walking ability after prosthetic fitting.1 The undertaking was an immense one and reviewed the findings of 57 publications with variable study methodologies and definitions of success with a prosthesis. Ultimately, the authors condensed the observed trends to the following: Predictors of good walking ability include sound cognition and fitness, the ability to stand and balance on the sound side limb, and good preoperative mobility. Predictors of poor walking ability include delays between surgery and rehabilitation and problems with the residual limb, such as protracted limb pain and delayed healing. In general, younger patients with unilateral and distal amputations are also predictive of better walking ability.1
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